HS Code for Olive pomace oil

Olive pomace oil is classified under HS code 1510.90 based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6. Heading 1510 is specifically reserved for oils and their fractions obtained solely from olives, other than those of heading 1509. While heading 1509 covers virgin olive oils obtained through mechanical means, heading 1510 encompasses oils extracted from the olive pomace—the solid residue remaining after the initial pressing. This extraction typically involves the use of solvents (such as hexane) or other physical treatments to recover the remaining oil content. Subheading 1510.90 specifically covers refined olive pomace oil and its blends with virgin olive oils. The classification is determined by the production process; if the oil is derived from the residue of the first pressing and has undergone refining or blending, it must be classified here. The legal notes to Chapter 15 clarify that these oils must not be chemically modified, as that would shift the classification to heading 1516. The distinction between 1509 and 1510 is critical for customs valuation and regulatory compliance, as pomace oil is considered a lower grade of olive oil compared to virgin or extra virgin varieties.

Products Included

• Refined olive pomace oil
• Crude olive pomace oil
• Blends of refined olive pomace oil with virgin olive oil
• Fractions of olive pomace oil, not chemically modified
• Olive residue oil obtained by solvent extraction

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 1509.20 (Extra virgin olive oil) or 1509.30 (Virgin olive oil). These codes are strictly for oils obtained solely by mechanical or physical means under conditions that do not lead to alterations in the oil. Because olive pomace oil requires solvent extraction or further refining of the residue, it cannot be placed in 1509. Another common error is using 1516.20 for chemically modified vegetable oils; however, as long as the olive pomace oil is only refined and not hydrogenated or esterified, it remains in 1510.90.

FAQ

What is the HS code for olive pomace oil?

The primary HS code for olive pomace oil, including refined versions and blends with virgin olive oil, is 1510.90.

Can olive pomace oil be classified as vegetable oil under 1512?

No, HS code 1512 is for sunflower, safflower, or cotton-seed oil. Olive-derived oils have their own specific headings in 1509 and 1510.